Remotely Piloted Aircraft (RPA/RPV/UAS/UAV)

I am considering submitting a package for an RPA spot in the ANG. After reading through some posts here, it seems that the consensus is this is a black hole, borderline career ender with not much room for advancement. Now, I’d need a waiver to join for age (34), and I've already got 12 years of service (AD and Guard) under my belt as enlisted, but it couldn’t be that bad of a move. Are those opinions mainly coming from people who were hoping to actually fly and got assigned to RPAs instead? I can see how they’d think it’s miserable.

I will be going to Syracuse later this year and wanted to know what to expect at IQT there. What's a typical day like? How many academic tests? How long is academics? What is typical sim schedule like? Any wiggle room for scheduling or random each day. Any good material to look at prior to going? Thanks for feedback

Just curious if anyone has seen/heard of an RPA washout getting picked up for further flying training? I have heard of a few folks getting picked up for ABM, but I am curious if anyone knows of someone who's gone on to CSO or even UPT. Just trying to confirm or deny some rumors...Thanks!

Guys, I know UAVs are not the favorite topic here on the boards, but I also know that many of baseops members have more experience dealing with them than on any other forum and can help. Would anyone know if there are any opportunities for someone interested in UAVs in the Guard or the Reserve? The ANG website lists a critical need for anyone willing to enter into ISR/UAV openings but websites are generally not the most reliable source for information, especially when there is no indication of what units or even states have that need. Some of the earlier threads on this board hinted that a few Guard units were supposed to be switching from manned missions to unmanne…

Hello all, I'm interested in applying for a rated board and selecting RPA. In order to get a good idea of what life that would lead to, I have a few questions: 1. Is it true that RPA pilots deploy less than others? I'm also considering ABM which deploys about 6 months a year. Is the tempo about the same? 2. Do RPA pilots usually work 12 hour days, have 24 hours off, then do another 12 hour day? What does a flying schedule look like? 3. Can RPA pilots get flight hours? Thanks.

Hey guys, I'm a motivated candidate for a pilot spot in the guard and have some questions in which I'm not getting answers from my recruiter or through google searches. Is there any current guard pilots in the 18 x program in this forum group that I could PM some questions too? I passed my officer physical through MEPS and AFOQT and waiting on the next step. Thanks either way

https://www.flightglobal.com/news/articles/usaf-redesignates-eight-mq-1-predator-units-as-attac-424122/ Green ink in the logbook now ....Attack in the title.....small steps to improve the RPA culture? Q to the RPA folks...will it? Cheers ATIS

Just started reading about this yesterday.... And there's not much out there about it. Can anyone please shed some light on this field and what's different (if any) from a regular RPA pilot vs AFSOC RPA pilot? What's the difference in their missions etc? I read so far that there are 2 Special Ops squadrons currently active with RPAs: the 3rd and 33rd SOS. Both based out of Canon AFB in New Mexico, flying Predators and Reapers. I'm a civilian RPA select so please excuse my lack of info.... What are the pros/cons to being AFSOC RPA pilot? How do you get in? Is day to day life any different? Any incentives? I was interested in AFSOC (enlisted) after not getting …

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What class medical exams are RPA pilots given after they are selected?

Anyone know of a place in Pueblo Colorado to known out the remainder of the PPL requirements after IFT is complete? I'm looking to take leave to get that knocked out, preferably on the same air frame (DA20) while it's all fresh. One place I found there was giving me email kick backs, which is never a good sign.

So I just got picked up for RPA on the Active Duty board that dropped last week. I was wondering if anyone had any insight on a few questions I have. When will I find out and what will be the notification process for getting a date? Do I need need to do MFS if I already have a good 2U flight physical? Will I PCS to Randolph and then TDY to Pueblo for IFS or TDY en route from my current station? Any other helpful advice would be greatly appreciated.

Hey everyone! We have a new and renovated house at Reaper Inn. Our house is perfect for your TDY at Holloman AFB. Come check us out on Facebook! -Reaper Inn

Without getting into specifics, what is the basic schedule like during the 4 month school at Holloman? Particularly looking for the average duty day/class length. Thanks.

There are two movies, both on Netflix Now, that concern fictional USAF drone crews. They are Good Kill and Eye In The Sky . I'm long retired and never had anything to do with drone operations. Real drone crews and also current USAF members. If you saw either or both of these, what did you think about them?

Hey All, Heading out to RIQ next week...Had a couple questions. What are the hours during the week to expect? Are there any good study materials to look at before the class? What week do you start simulator work? Any other information would be great!! Thanks!

Hello everyone! I figured I'd finally attempt to get acquainted with the community rather than just lurk the boards endlessly. I came into the service last year as one of the first 18X officers behind the beta classes for the RPA pipeline. There is not a lot of information on what potential and impending 18X'ers will face in the training process, outside of the guys that got non-vol'd or didn't go through the entire program. I figured I would at least cast the thread out there and attempt to shed any light on questions others might have on it. I'm by no means an expert, but finishing up the training program here at Holloman right now, I'm pretty fresh out of the Randolph …

Was wondering if anyone has heard of active duty guys heading to March for MQ-9 FTU. I heard that a few people have been getting sent to Syracuse instead of Holloman but haven't found anyone that has been sent to March, other than guard folks.

Is it confirmed that IFT is cancelled permanently for RPAs? If so, what does everyone think of this move and what does it mean for the future RPA community? I found IFT very helpful, and so when I see this it makes me wonder if the AF thinks that our community doesn’t deserve the airmanship or basic flying skills that you gain at IFT.

BL: Do RPA selects for the UFT boards have any say for their follow on assignment since the RPA pipeline ceased doing drop nights? I’m applying for this years AD UFT board and was wondering what input the member has to their follow on assignment. I only qualify for RPA and with the new assignment process—if I’m tracking correctly— you get your follow on assignment first and then TDY to your training pipeline courses. It would be nice to have some say to the matter. Thanks for any and all responses!

Read on reddit/AF meme pagesthat RPA drops will be happening out of UPT now. Can anyone confirm/deny this?

Hey everyone, looking for guesses and educated answers on what the updated pipeline will look like with the implementation of RPA Pilot Next training.

Hey everyone! Anyone here have an Interview with the OHIO ANG next week? Anyone have any tips or tricks for the interview?

In case anyone was wondering, there is no specific age limit for entry Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training (URT). Based on a few changes recently, according to AFI 36-2105, Chapter 3, paragraph 3.1.1 spells out the age restrictions for persons seeking to enter UPT. Paragraph 3.1.1.3 adds an exception for URT candidates. "3.1.1.3. Exception for Undergraduate Remotely Piloted Aircraft Training: must meet maximum age for appointment in the various grades as specified in AFI 36-2005, Appointment in Commissioned Grades and Designation and Assignment in Professional Categories – Reserve of the Air Force and United States Air Force." Heading over to AFI 36-2005 tell…